DEAR
JOCELYN
Episode 15
By; Faith Lucky.
Audrey’s Pov:
I looked around and after another moment of thought, I lifted him from the floor with his phone.
Wow! Quite a weight.
I placed his hand around my shoulder, ma-king his wealth relax on me. Then, I started trudging with him.
I kept dragging him along, using a lot of effort and after a while, we got to aunt Tessy’s house and I dropped him on the floor.
I took in a de-ep breath with my hands at akimbo. My back was now aching a lot.
I brou-ght out the house keys and opened the door, taking him into the house. It was just a one be-droom ap@rtment but it was quite spacious.
I la-id him on the be-d and noticed he was now heating up. I un-bu-ttoned his shi-t and left to get a bowl of cold water and napkin.
When I returned, I found him restless; but his eyes were still closed.
“plea-se, Jocelyn; hold on…I’ll get some help…hold on…don’t let go…Jocelyn; plea-se…” he muttered pathetically.
I stared at him and felt pity. He was really going throu-gh a lot of pains.
I sat on the edge of the be-d and placed the we-t napkin on his head.
I watched him as he struggled and tears filled my eyes. Why was he this tormented by Jocelyn’s abs£nce?
I continued di-pping and placing the napkin on his head and after a while, he seemed to calm down. He finally bec@m£ still and I felt a little relieved.
I decided to return the bowl and napkin, but just as I made to leave the be-d, I felt a hand hold mine. It was Rodney’s.
“plea-se Jocelyn; don’t leave me” he said in a weak voice.
His eyes were still closed.
I stared at him and stared at the hands and smiled ruefully. I gently fred my hand from his and left to keep the bowl.
I returned and found him now.now fast asleep. At last.
What would his reaction be when he wakes up and finds himself with me?
I bu-ttoned his shi-t again and la-id on the three seaters chair to sleep.
I woke up the next morning on the floor. I had turned and rolled off the chair while slee-ping.
Hm. Funny sleeper.
I stood up and yawned and stretched and looked at Rodney on the be-d. He was still slee-ping. And he looked more at ease now.
How cute he was in his sleep.
I went into the bathroom and washed my face, but when I returned to the sitting room, I panicked at what I saw.
The be-d was empty!
Rodney wasn’t there? Where the hell is he? He had been there a few minutes ago. What could have happened?
I was still there panicking when someone pushed me from behind and pinned me to the wall, holding my n£¢k.
I choked and opened my eyes and found Rodney standing in front of me.
“Mr Rodney?” I struggled to say.
“You?” He asked with surprise and let go of me.
“It’s…its you? Why did you bring me here?” He asked as I coughed.
“Is that your way of thinking me for saving your life?” I asked peskily and took in a de-ep breath.
“I’m…I’m sorry” he mouthed.
“But how did I get here? What happened?”
“Um…don’t you remember anything from last night?” I asked.
“I…I think it was by the…” he paused and t©uçhed his head.
“Why were you there all alone, Mr Rodney?” I asked, since he had remained quiet.
“I was…I was just…It was nothing” he replied and sat on the be-d.
“So, you found me on the road and brou-ght me here?” He asked and I nodded.
“This is my aunty’s house and coincidentally, where I had found you last night wasn’t far off from here. You were very cold and I couldn’t leave you out there at that moment because it was dangerous. My aunty’s pres£ntly not in town. So, that’s why I brou-ght you here. I was just trying to be of help, Mr Rodney. I hope you don’t misun-derstand me.” I enthused and he sighed.
“Thanks” he said lowly.
“By the way,”:he continued.
“Did you see my phone?”
“Oh, yes. Here it is” I replied and gave the phone to him.
I watched him silently as he turned it on and operated it.
He actually s£nt a message to his mum:
“Don’t worry about me, mum. I’m fine. Just wanna be alone”.
And he switched it off again.
After that, he left the room, headed outside and I followed him behind.
He placed his hands at akimbo and closed his eyes, taking in a de-ep breath.
The compound – which had no gate – was very spacious and there was a tall tree planted there.
“This reminds me of a farm house Jocelyn and loved visiting” he said with an enfeebled smile and t©uçhed the little flowers that were planted at a corner.
“Um…not to sound offensive, Mr Rodney; but you’re actually calling my aunt’s house a farmhouse” I said and he cracked.
Yes, he cracked; but didn’t laugh.
“When will your aunt return?” he asked without looking at me.
I was still standing behind him.
“I don’t know. Maybe next week”. I replied and he left the flowers he was tou-ching and turned to look at me.
“Could I ask for a favor; Audrey?” He said.
“Un…okay. Sure. What is it?”
“I’d love to spend a few days here. Is that okay with you?”
My feet wo-bbled as I fought to maintain my stamina.
Huh?
Was this a dream or what?
“Audrey?” He called, noticing I was lost in thoughts.
“Uh…Mr Rodney. ..why do you want to stay here?” I stuttered and he turned around, backing me.
“Well, I don’t know. I just…I just want to be alone. And besides, this kind of reminds me of Jocelyn. So, I just wanna be here;; for a couple of days or so”.He replied, but I still. Found it ha-rd to comprehend.
Why would he want to be alone in such an isolated area?
Anyway, he had been of great help to her and I couldn’t say no to him. My aunt wasn’t around anyway. But, mum had better not find out about it.
“Um…its okay, Mr Rodney. You can stay here for the meantime. But in case you nee-d anything, you can just give me a call” I replied and he seemed surprised.
“Give you a call?” He asked; muddled.
“You wanna leave?”
“Well. ..yes. you said you wanted to be alone”. I replied.
“No. You’re not leaving.”
My heart skipped and I froze. What’s he talking about?
“M…Mr Rodney?” I stuttered.
“Yes. I mean; who’s gonna run all the errands for me? You’re staying with me, okay?” He replied and started walking into the house.
“And speaking of errands, come with me. I nee-d you to get me some supplies” he added and walked in.
I placed my hand on my che-st and tried to control my anxiety.
This is a dream; it has to be. Being alone with Mr Rodney for days? Was it really a reality?
“Audrey!” He called and I rushed in.
DEAR
JOCELYN
Episode 16
By: Faith Lucky.
Audrey’s Pov:
Rodney added cereal to the list and gave it to me who was standing in front of him.
“Here. These are what I’ll be nee-ding for now. You can make use of my credit card” he said and handed the credit card to me, together with the pin.
I looked at the list.
“What kind of clothes do you want?” I asked, going throu-gh the list.
“I don’t know. Just something nice to use for the meantime. But plea-se, don’t get me clothes that’d make me look like a priest”.He replied.
“Mmm. Okay. And wait…cigarette pack?” I asked and lifted my eyes to look at him.
“You nee-d a cigarette pack?” I asked again and he nodded.
“But Mr…”
“There’s no point arguing over it, okay? Just get me the cigarette pack” he cut me off and I nodded.
“Okay sir. I’ll be on my way now” I said and made to leave.
“And one more thing; don’t tell anyone I’m here. And I mean absolutely no one, Audrey”.
“Of…Of course, I won’t. By the way, in case you’re hungry, you can take some bre-ad from the kitchen. I’ll try to make the shopping snappy” I said and left with a smile.
*
I got to the road and boarded a cab; heading home first.
Coming to it, what explanation would I give to mum and Rachel?
Rachel had called me later in the night and I had lightly explained to her that I got hooked up and would explain everything to them in the morning.
Now, what will I explain?
And mum’s never to find out about Mr Rodney in aunt Tessy’s house.
But why does mum dislike Rodney, anyway?
After a while, I got home and unfortunately, mum hadn’t left for work yet. Rachel was also at home.
“Good morning, mum. Hi Rachel” I greeted innocently as I stood to face them.
“Audrey! It’s a good thing you’re okay. Where the hell have you been?” Mum asked and hvgged me.
“I…” I paused and looked at Rachel.
“A friend of mine got an urgent job for me – 5000.
I started last night and that’s why I couldn’t return home” I replied nervously.
“An urgent job? Isn’t that going to be stressful for you, Audrey?” Rachel asked.
“No, it isn’t. It won’t even take long. It’s just for a couple of days” I replied.
“Are you sure about this, Audrey? )” mum asked.
“Of course, mum. Don’t worry; I’ll be fine.”
“Okay then. I’m off to work. So, see you later” .
“Sure; bye”.
And mum left.
Rachel kept staring keenly at me and I knew she was having doubts.
“Um…won’t you be going to school today?” I asked as I dressed the room table.
“You can lie to mum, Audrey; but not to me. Where were you last night?” She asked and I coughed.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Um…I nee-d to take my bath” I replied hastily and ran into the room.
I quic-kly brushed my teeth and took my bath and when I opened the door to come out; I saw Rachel standing by the door.
“Where were you, Audrey?”:she asked and I rolled my eyes.
“Come on Rachel. What’s wrong with you? Do you really think I’m lying? I told you I was…”
“Working?” She cut me off.
“But when I called you last night, the whole place was quiet. So, what kind of work is that? Is it a security work or something?”
I huffed and walked into the bathroom, looking for something to wear.
“Audrey…”
“Fine! Fine, Rachel! You win! I’ll tell you about it’ I said and sighed and stood to face her.
“I am with Mr Rodney, okay?”
She g@sped and used her palm to cover her mouth.
“Don’t get it twisted, Rachel. Let me explain. It’s not what you think”.
“Audrey! You were with Mr Rodney? Like…how? When?” She exclaimed.
“That’s what I’m trying to explain. So keep shut and listen. I found him stranded on my way home from aunt Tessy’s house yesterday and I decided to be of help.” I said.
“Okay. That’s quiet confusing. What do you mean he was stranded?”
By this time; I was alre-ady done dressing.
“Come with me;; I’ll tell you about it in the cab” I said and left the room while she followed me behind.
“Where are wegoing?” She asked, puzzled.
“Mr Rodney asked me to get him some supplies”.
“Supplies? Hold on, is he still there? Audrey, what’s going on?”
“Rachel; just keep calm. I’ll explain everything…”
*
*
“So, when he does plan on leaving?” Rachel asked as we walked around the supermarkets with shopping baskets.
“Well, I don’t know exactly. He said in a few days” I replied as I took a can of milk and kept it in the basket.
“But are not sure about this? What if mum gets to find out?”
“Hmm. Well, I just pray she doesn’t”.
We got to the beef shelf and st©pped to select.
“But I really feel bad for Mr Rodney” I said.
“You nee-ded to had seen him last night. He was so pathetic. He really loves Jocelyn a lot and I pray he gets to find her soon because he’s really tormented by her abs£nce”.
We got the beef we wanted and moved on.
“Hey; didn’t he order for a cigarette pack? I think we just pas-sed the cigarette shelf” Rachel said and tried to st©p but I dragged her along.
“I’m not getting it. I don’t want him to smoke over there” I replied with a cunning face..
“Huh? But you know he smokes. So, what will you tell him?” She asked.
“Well…I’ll tell him it sli-pped my mind” I replied and smiled.
Rodney’s Pov:
I was alre-ady starving. I checked the time – 10 a.m.
Where the hell was Audrey?
I turned on my phone and tons of messages flashed in.
First from mum, then Megan and Leo and they were inquiring about my whereabouts.
I kept going throu-gh them as I walked into the kitchen and found the half loaf of bre-ad Audrey was talking about.
I ate from it and while I was eating, my phone awakened with a ring. It was a call from Megan.
I felt reluctant at first, but decided to pick it up in order to quell her anxiety.
“Rodney!” She called immediately.
“You finally decided to pick up. Where the hell are you?”
I sighed and t©uçhed my forehead.
“Megan; I’m fine” I replied calmly.
“And what do you mean you’re fine? Where did you run off to? You left us all worried, Rodney. I’ve been trying to reach you for hours. I s£nt you thousands of messages, but you didn’t reply any of them and you didn’t bother calling back. Where the hell are you?”
“I told you Megan; I’m fine. I just want to be alone”.
“And what do you mean you want to be alone? Does being alone make you happy? Huh? Tell me!”
She was obviously upset.
I was about saying something when I heard the door in the sitting room open and I knew Audrey was back.
“Mr Rodney; I’m back!” She said in a loud voice and Megan overheard it.
No doubt, she was shocked.
“Rodney, who’s that?” She asked in a surprise tone and I didn’t know what to say.
I looked back at the sitting room and saw Audrey dropping the bags on the table.
“Hope you like potato ch!ps, Mr Rodney?” She said again and Megan still overheard.
“Rodney, who the hell is that?” She asked in a more serious tone, but I kept mute.
“Rodney…”
“Look Megan; I…I gotta go. I’m sorry” I cut her off and ended the call, switching off the phone again.
Just then, Audrey walked into the kitchen.
“Oh! And here you are. Were you busy with someone?” She asked.
“Um…no. It was nothing.” I replied and inser-ted the phone in my trou-ser pocket.
“So, where are the things I asked for?”
“Oh! They’re right here” she relied and took me to the sitting room.
Megan’s Pov:
I couldn’t believe what just happened.
I tried calling him back but it was switched off.
Was this for real? Could Rodney possibly be having an affair?
I was in my room and shortly, Edith walked in and was surprised at the way I was pacing round the room, being so . restless.
“Hey Megi; wats up?” She asked and took a seat; but I remained the way I was.
“Megan! What’s the problem?” She asked again.
“Edith; you’re not gonna believe what just happened”.
“Well tell me”.
I finally st©pped and took a seat.
“I just called Rodney and…and I heard a lady’s voice in the background” I said in a perturbe-d voice.
“A lady?” She asked, confused.
“What lady?”
“Well, I don’t know and that’s the problem. He wouldn’t even explain it to me. He just snubbe-d me and ended the call and now, I’m trying to call him; it’s switched off.
“I don’t un-derstand any of this, Edith. He told me he wanted to be alone, but he’s with a lady; alone with a lady”
“Okay; hold on. What exactly were her words?”she asked.
“She…She said something like…*Mr Rodney, I’m back* and
*hope you like potato ch!ps*
“She sounded so happy and I can swear Rodney got confused when he knew I overheard her voice.
“Edith, I…I don’t even know what to think. Could Rodney be having an affair?”
“I don’t think so” replied Edith.
“I don’t think Rodney will fall in love in such a short notice. Maybe he’s just…”
She ran out of words.
I bec@m£ more frustrated.
“Maybe it’s not really what to think” she said, trying to give me a little hope.
“Maybe there might be another explanation for it”.
“What other explanation, Edith? He’s staying alone with a girl. What else could it mean?” I asked angrily and stood up.
“I nee-d to find them. I nee-d to know where they’re staying” I said impatiently; placing my left hand on my w@!st.
“Well, with much luck, we will. Remember, you alre-ady as-signed some guards to look for him”
“Well, I nee-d to find them sooner!” I snarled.
“And that cheap sloth had better prayed my guess is wrong. Else, I’ll skin her alive!”.
TBC.
Hm-hm.
What happens next???
This one Audrey refused to buy Rodney’s cigarette, I wonder what’s going to happen
And this Megan….